You Will Be Carried

Hi Ladies!

   I love my camp leaders this year!  They make me so excited to participate in girls' camp again this year (which is in...well, TOMORROW!)  I am stinkin' excited!
   In Young Womens yesterday, they gave a few announcements.  And for some reason, they really strike me as gospel analogies. 
  One thing they said was about the 2nd day hike.  Sister Bold and Sister Wolf (changed their names) told us about how they are both outdoorsy-type ladies.  They both love nature, running, and so forth.  Sister Bold told us that we had no chance of skipping out on this hike.  And then Sister Wolf added that she would carry us up the mountain if we felt weak.  Nobody was going to stay behind....and they meant it!
  How does my leaders threatening us with a five mile hike apply to the gospel?  Well...
  First of all, how many times are we put in situations where we really don't want to be?  We are tired, we really don't like the outdoors, you think the streams are gross and polluted, the pathways are sure to be swarmed with mosquitos, and you REALLY don't like wearing hiking shoes.  It is hard!  But how would it feel to know that you have a rally of supporters?  They want you on this hike and they need you on this hike.  And this hike will help you become stronger.  And what about when you wear out?  Then you will be carried.  Christ promised that He will walk by you through this hike, AND will even carry you up the mountain, just like Sister Wolf. 
    That's the great thing about the gospel and about our Savior.  We have a rally of supporters to comfort us, cheer us on, and even PUSH us up that mountain - both those in the flesh, and those in the spirit.  No matter how scared you are, no matter how weak you feel, no matter how much you despise sunshine - YOU need this trial. YOU need to walk up this.  Christ did not need to suffer.  He was perfect.  But He chose to...because He knew you would need help up that mountain.  And no matter how hard it feels, YOU can make it and the journey will be fun and worth it!
   
   Secondly, they told us to pack light.  Sister Wolf said, "One bag.  No suitcases.  And for your backpack...just bring a little Nike one type of thing."
    Now, I know for some people packing light is hard.  I even had to replace my old hunky backpack for a little, lighter bag, and strap some things onto my duffle. 
   How often do we carry along things we don't need?  We carry around a load of sin.  We carry around bad habits and activities.  We carry grudges, pain, anguish, and even hate.  We hold onto the carnal, material items of this world.  So heavy.
   Christ Himself said that "28 ¶^aCome unto me, all ye that ^blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ^crest.

29 Take my ^ayoke upon you, and ^blearn of me; for I am ^cmeek and ^dlowly in ^eheart: and ye shall find ^frest unto your souls." -Matthew 11: 28-29

    What are you personally carrying around on your back?  The sins of yesterday, the worries of tomorrow, the loss of time, the grudge against a fellow brother, the hate of what is going on.  The firly little dresses that (sorry to break it) will not be translated into heaven in the twinkling on an eye.  We must learn to let go of what we don't need, but keep hold of those things that are holy.

   Even the burdens we are called to bear, the callings we hold, the tasks we have been asked to fulfill will become light.  They are for our good to make us stronger and He wouldn't give us more than we can handle.  On the other hand - carrying around a grudge or a two ton bag of clothing isn't for your good.  It won't make you stronger, it will slow you down.  But you will be given the wings of angels, the strength of a thousand men, and the support of your friends, family, and Heavenly Father when you carry those things that are important and that are "for your good."  Like the above scripture, they will "be made light" and you will find rest.

   Some things are hard to let go.  The Anti-Nephi-Lehis were a people of fighting, evil doings, and bad habits before they turned to Christ.  But yet, despite the difficulty of letting go of the tradition of warfare, they buried their swords.  And they buried them deep.

    You cannot bury your sins, lustful wants, or bad habits just two inches beneath the soil.  No, you must love yourself enough to bury them deep in the ground...deep enough that you cannot easily access it.  Carrying a sword around to girls' camp is going to be hard.  And it will only get heavier and heavier.  But, you can let it go. You can bury it and "sin no more."